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You will be told at your pre-op visit whether you will need a bowel prep for your surgery and if you do what type you will use. The prep to clean your bowel will have to be completed the night before your surgery.
You will need to shower at home before surgery. Instructions will be provided at your pre-operative appointment. Do not wear makeup, nail polish, lotion, deodorant, or antiperspirant on the day of surgery. Remove all body piercings and acrylic nails. If you have a Living Will or an Advance Directive, bring a copy with you to the hospital on the day of surgery. Most women recover and are back to most activities in 6 weeks. You may need a family member or a friend to help with your day-to-day activities for a few days after surgery.
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things go as planned. You should be aware of these possible problems, how often they happen, and what will be done to correct them.
Possible risks during surgery include: Bleeding: If there is excessive bleeding, you will be given a blood transfusion unless you have personal or religious reasons for not wanting blood. This should be discussed with your doctor prior to the surgery. Damage to the bladder, ureters (the tubes that drain the kidneys into the bladder), and to the bowel: Damage occurs in less than 1% of surgeries. If there is damage to the bladder, ureters, or to the bowel they will be repaired while you are in surgery. Death: All surgeries have a risk of death. Some surgeries have a higher risk than others. There is a less than a 1 in 1000 chance of dying from this kind of surgery.
Possible risks that can occur days to weeks after surgery: Blood clot in the legs or lung: Swelling or pain, shortness of breath, or chest pain are signs of blood clots. Bowel obstruction: A blockage in the bowel that causes abdominal pain, bloating, nausea and/or vomiting Incision opens: Infection: Surgical site infection. This may cause fever, redness, swelling or pain. Scar tissue: Tissue thicker than normal skin forms at the site of surgery
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Depending on the length of your surgery, you may not be able to eat or drink anything until the next morning or you will be started on a liquid diet. When you are feeling better you may return to a regular diet.
You may have cramping, or feel bloated. You will: o Be given medications for pain and nausea if needed. o Have the compression stockings on your legs to improve circulation. The stockings will stay on until you are actively walking. o If you are at a high risk for blood clots, a blood thinning medication (Heparin) may be given to you during your hospital stay. o Be restarted on your routine medications. o Be instructed to use a small plastic device at your bedside to help expand your lungs after surgery. o Start walking as soon as possible after the surgery to help healing and recovery. o Stay in the hospital for 1-2 days.
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have nausea and vomiting have chest pain or difficulty breathing leak fluid or blood from the incision or if the incision opens develop swelling, redness, or pain in your legs develop a rash have pain with urination
Caring for your incision: Your incision will be closed with dissolvable stitches (they do not need to be removed). Bleeding: Spotting is normal. o Discharge will change to a brownish color followed by yellow cream color that will continue for up to four to eight weeks. o It is common for the brownish discharge to have a slight odor because it is old blood. Diet: You will return to your regular diet after discharge, unless advised differently by your doctor. Medications: Pain: Medication for pain will be prescribed for you after surgery. Do not take it more frequently than instructed. Stool softener: Narcotic pain medications may cause constipation. A stool softener may be needed while taking these medications. Nausea: Anti-nausea medication is not typically prescribed. Tell your doctor if you have a history of severe nausea with general anesthesia.
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Activities: Energy level: It is normal to have a decreased energy level after surgery. Once you settle into a normal routine at home, you will slowly begin to feel better. Walking around the house and taking short walks outside can help you get back to your normal energy level more quickly. Showers: Showers are allowed within 24 hours after your surgery. Tub baths are encouraged 24 hours after surgery. Do not stay in the bath tub longer than 10-15 minutes. Climbing: Climbing stairs is permitted, but you may require some assistance when you first return home. Lifting: For 6 weeks after your surgery you should not lift anything heavier than a gallon of milk. This includes pushing objects such as a vacuum cleaner and vigorous exercise. Driving: The reason you are asked not to drive after surgery is because you may be given pain medications. Even after you stop taking pain medications; driving is restricted because you may not be able to make sudden movements due to discomforts from surgery. Exercise: Exercise is important for a healthy lifestyle. You may begin normal physical activity within hours of surgery. Start with short walks and gradually increase the distance and length of time that you walk. To allow your body time to heal, you should not return to a more difficult exercise routine for 2-6 weeks after your surgery. Please talk to your doctor about when you can start exercising again.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Recto-vaginal Fistula Repair
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Intercourse: No sexual activity for 6 weeks after surgery. Work: Most patients can return to work in 2-6 weeks after surgery. You may continue to feel tired for a couple of weeks.
Disclaimer: This document is for informational purposes only and is not intended to take the place of the care and attention of your personal physician or other professional medical services. Talk with your doctor if you have Questions about individual health concerns or specific treatment options. 2011 The Regents of the University of Michigan Author: Laurie, Crimando RNC,MSN Reviewers: Daniel, Morgan, MD Last Revised 12/2010
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